New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-05-11
TIE BEARING OF THE VEDDER BILL

zigzag line Of webbing diplomacy.
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THE BEARING OF THE VEDDEB BILL.
We print in today's TRIBUNE a letter from
our Albany correspondent, analysing the fiscal
bearing Of the Vedder Liquor Tax bill. 1t
is not possible in an inquiry of the kind to
obtain moro than approximate results, but the
bases Of estimate are given, and since they are
obviously reasonable, there is good ground for
accepting the conclusions as representing the
strongest probabilities. The Judgment of an
expert financer. such as Senator Low is also
entitled to carry weight, and his calculation of
the probable amount of taxes raised 10y the bill
may confidently be regarded as trustworthy.
Our correspondent further shows by reference
to the tax raised in this city under the Excise
law of 1867 that the new estimate is quito
within bounds; and by table the proper
tomato reduction in the State tax for the
several counties is set forth clearly. The
result of this analysis is to demonstrate that as
a fiscal measure the Vedder bill strongly recon-
mends itself; that its effect in relieving the
interior taxpayers would be marked that at
the same time, far from imposing fresh burdens
upon Ncw-York and Brooklyn. it would sens
bly, diminish the State tax of those cities, re-
ducing that of New York in an amount nearly
equal to the annual charges Of the Department
of Charities and Correction. Nor must it be
overlooked that incident to this reduction Of
taxation would be a diminution Of the saloon
evil to an extent almost equaling that which
would follow the enactment Of gh-Liccnsc
law.
These results are certainly not Of char
acter to condemn the bill. The latter is not
indeed advanced as cmbodying all that the
friends Of temperance who desired the passage
of the Crosby bill could have wished. The
responsibility for its shortcomings, however
must rest. not upon the Republican members
Of tho Legislature, but upon Governor Hill.
whose open adherence to the side of the LIQUOR
interest has mado it necessary so to lI0dify
whatever temperance legislation was intro
duccd as to avoid the pettifogging Executive
objections to High License. The Veddcr bill
consequently, stands for the hest that could
be done in the circumstances. II is n pledge
aud proof Of the sincerity and persistence Of
Republican temperance reform. The party
cssaycd TO relieve Newly orll and Brooklyn from
the abuse of the saloon in politics. 1t struck
&C the centre and focus Of the evil The High
License bill would undoubtedly have done
more for the two principal cities of The State
in abating the drink evil than the Ne1der bill
can do. But Governor Hill, rs agent for the
r1lmseers, refused 10 sign the former measure.
and it was then clear that either all temperance
legislation must lie abandoned or a differently
framed act must bc introduced. The Republicans
invited the counsel Of the repre- entative tenn
pcrancc Advocates who had drawn the High
License law, and with their aid the Ycddcr
bill was adapted to the new situation. As il
stands to-day, it has the hearty support Of the
champions OF the Crosby bill, not. we repeat,
as an ideal measure, but as the best one pos
sible in the existing conditions.
The Republican members have shown their
earneStness in this matter throughout Ham
pered by the Governors alliance with the Rum
Power disabled from bringing in the bill
which public opinion most strongly demanded
compelled to take into account the fears of
some rural members lest their constituents
should disapprovc legislation involving no adj
vantage to them; they could only take the
lines Of least resistance. rs the sole alternative
with abandonment Of the struggle altogether.
Considering the Obstacles and limitations i'm
posed upon them, the Vcdder bill is really
triumph of tact and Judgment. For while 1t
does not forcgo the High-Lcense principle for
New ork and Brooklyn IL avoids the Executive
objections TO special legislation. While 1t
meets the demands Of the rural constituencies
by reducing their State tax, il provides also
an important relief for Ncw-Yorlt and Brook
Ign. Under it the latter would retain all the
tax now raised by municipal licenses, and in
addition would gain an amount equal to the
cost Of running ono Of the great departments.
Such an arrangement clearly involves no in
justice but both general and particular relief
in the tightening Of taxation. A law which
has the double merit Of reducing taxation and
diminishing the drink evil deserves to be
supported cordially by all rational friends of
temperance and economical government The
figures and facts which THE TRIBUNE pub
fishes in another column must convince oil
candid minds that the Vcddcr bill is for the
good Of the whole State, yet none the less for
the relief of New Y rk. The Assembly should
lose no timo in taking the necessary steps to
nut il on It's passage.